The election of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) 2028 presidential flagbearer, has triggered intense speculation within the opposition party over the future of some of its Members of Parliament (MPs), particularly its parliamentary leadership.

Party insiders suggest that the tenure of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, along with that of some MPs perceived to have opposed Dr Bawumia’s candidacy, could face political repercussions as the party reorganises in the aftermath of last Saturday’s contest. A social media army is being mobilised against some of them, especially the minority leader.

Some analysts have described such MPs as having become “politically endangered” within the NPP following their open or alleged support for rival aspirants, especially Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, who placed second with 46,554 votes (23.76 per cent), compared with Dr Bawumia’s 110,645 votes (56.48 per cent).

Among MPs whose political positioning has come under scrutiny are; Stephen Amoah, MP for Nhyiaeso in the Ashanti Region; Abena Osei-Asare, MP for Atiwa West in the Eastern Region; Kwaku Kwarteng, MP for Obuasi West in the Ashanti Region; Charles Forson, MP for Tema Central in the Greater Accra Region; and Lawrence Agyinsam, MP for Hemang Lower Denkyira.

Ms Osei-Asare, in particular, had previously been linked to the camp of former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen, who exited the NPP’s presidential race earlier.

Ahead of last Saturday’s flagbearer election, some NPP activists took to social media to accuse Mr Afenyo-Markin of being unsupportive of Dr Bawumia and backing rival aspirant Kennedy Ohene Agyapong. Calls for his replacement as Minority Leader circulated widely online.

Mr Afenyo-Markin, who previously served as Majority Leader during the Akufo-Addo administration, has been the subject of several social media controversies in recent weeks.

Following the signing of a peace pact by the flagbearer aspirants, a video circulated online alleging that he failed to applaud during Dr Bawumia’s speech. The footage was later described by some party figures as artificially generated.

On Saturday, additional claims emerged alleging that the Effutu MP had positioned himself near a polling booth in Winneba to influence the voting process. These claims have not been substantiated.

However, results from the Effutu Constituency showed Mr Agyapong polling 644 votes, with Dr Bawumia trailing with 79 votes. Bryan Acheampong secured 32 votes, while Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum recorded no votes, reinforcing perceptions of Mr Agyapong’s strong local support base in the area.

At the regional level, Mr Agyapong also retained a commanding lead in the Central Region, securing 8,137 votes, representing 47.41 per cent. Dr Bawumia followed with 6,242 votes (36.27 per cent), while Mr Acheampong garnered 2,633 votes (15.34 per cent). Dr Adutwum polled 128 votes (0.75 per cent), and Mr Kwabena Agyei Agyepong received 24 votes (0.14 per cent).

While Dr Bawumia’s victory has consolidated his position as the party’s flagbearer, the implications for internal party dynamics, particularly within Parliament, remain uncertain, as the NPP navigates the delicate task of post-primary reconciliation and strategic reorganisation.

In the wake of the claims, the Minority Leader was compelled to deny allegations that he interfered with the voting process during the NPP primaries in the Effutu Constituency.

In a statement issued on Saturday, 31 January 2026, he described the claims circulating on social media as false.

“I have become aware of circulating claims alleging my presence near a polling booth in Effutu, purportedly influencing voters and compromising ballot secrecy. These assertions are entirely false,” he said.

According to Mr Afenyo-Markin, the allegation is part of a sustained campaign of misinformation targeting him since the start of the flagbearer contest.

“This spurious allegation is merely the latest in a series of plots orchestrated by my adversaries,” he stated.

He recalled an earlier incident in which a manipulated video was circulated online, falsely claiming he deliberately refused to applaud a candidate during the signing of the NPP peace pact on 22 January 2026.

“These vile tactics are as transparent as they are desperate,” he added.

The Effutu MP said that throughout the electoral process, he strictly complied with all guidelines issued by the Electoral Commission (EC) and the NPP leadership.

“At no time have I been anywhere near the voting area as claimed, nor have I engaged in any conduct that could be construed, even remotely, as undue influence,” he stressed.

He explained that his presence in the constituency on voting day was limited to casting his ballot and performing lawful oversight duties in accordance with electoral rules.

“My presence in the constituency has been limited strictly to exercising my franchise and undertaking lawful oversight in full compliance with the rules that govern us all,” he noted.

Mr Afenyo-Markin also urged the EC, security agencies, and political actors to remain vigilant and to prioritise peace, transparency, and democratic integrity.

“Crass fabrications such as these only seek to sow discord and undermine voter confidence,” he warned.

He further invited journalists, observers and members of the public to independently verify the facts in Winneba.

“I welcome anyone who wishes to verify the facts for themselves to come to Winneba and observe the process at first hand,” he said.

The Minority Leader cautioned against the spread of misinformation and appealed to party supporters to allow the process to proceed without interference.

“The members and supporters of the great NPP deserve better. Truth and transparency are our strongest defence against falsehood,” he added.

Meanwhile, Dr Bawumia has called for unity, discipline and renewed party engagement following his victory, describing it as a collective achievement that must now be translated into electoral success in 2028.

Addressing party executives, delegates and supporters after the polls, he said the contest had been hard-fought but necessary, stressing that success within the party required resilience and sacrifice.

“To secure anything precious in this life, we must be prepared to fight the hard battles, work hard and withstand difficult circumstances,” he said, adding: “Tonight, victory is for all of us. I am grateful. The NPP is grateful to you all, and Ghana is grateful.”

Dr Bawumia thanked party delegates, election officials, security agencies and the media for their roles, noting that the primary reflected the party’s long-standing tradition of internal democracy.

He urged members to respect the outcome, regardless of where their support lay during the contest.

“It matters not which side you supported, winners and those who did not win; at this particular time, we are in this together,” he said.

He warned against conditional loyalty, stressing that unity could not depend on personal preferences or factional interests.

“My election today communicates a broad-based appeal across the party, and I need to draw directly on that capital to unite the party as one of the crucial steps to winning power in 2028,” he stated.

Dr Bawumia announced plans for targeted engagements with party elders, grassroots members and the youth, whom he described as central to the party’s future.

“As flagbearer, I will do everything to ensure that the NPP listens more to you, is more mindful of your views, and reflects your aspirations,” he said.

He also placed strong emphasis on discipline, warning that indiscipline could undermine the party’s electoral prospects.

“An army that lacks discipline will struggle to win its battles,” he said, adding that “the NPP needs to step up discipline internally, in our operations, in our communications, and in the conduct of our members”.

While acknowledging the enthusiasm following his victory, he cautioned supporters against actions that could deepen divisions.

“Let us celebrate in moderation. As far as I am concerned, everybody has won,” he said.

Dr Bawumia paid tribute to his campaign teams, party executives, security agencies and the media, and offered special thanks to his family, particularly his wife, Samira, whom he described as “a solid pillar” throughout the campaign.

Official results collated by the Electoral Commission showed that Dr Bawumia secured 110,643 votes out of 195,901 valid votes cast. Mr Agyapong placed second with 46,554 votes, followed by Dr Bryan Acheampong with 36,303 votes, while Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum and Mr Kwabena Agyei Agyepong placed fourth and fifth, respectively.